Ink-Slinger Profiles by Alex Jay: Joseph S. Moyer

Joseph Soder Moyer was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 1874, according to his Spanish-American War veteran’s compensation application and a passport application.

The 1880 U.S. Federal Census said Moyer was the youngest of three children born to Joseph, a stone cutter, and Mary. The family resided in Philadelphia at 2236 Bolton Street. Information about Moyer’s education and art training has not been found.

Moyer served during the Spanish American War. His veteran’s compensation application said he enlisted April 28, 1898 and was discharged October 26, 1898. Moyer was a corporal in Company I, First Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. At the time, Moyer resided at his parents’ home, 1827 North 19th Street in Philadelphia.

American Newspaper Comics (2012) said Moyer drew The Quaker Kids from July 2 to October 22, 1899 for the Philadelphia Press.

Moyer’s address was unchanged in the 1900 census. His occupation was artist. Moyer was a self-employed artist in 1910. Moyer, his wife, Mary, and step-daughter, Clarice, lived at 5653 McMahon Avenue in Philadelphia.

The 84th Annual Report of the Philadelphia Board of Trade (1917) had this listing: “Moyer Art and Decorating Co., Joseph S. Moyer, 41 North Eleventh, Birds’-eye View Specialists”. The 85th annual had the same information.

According to a February 1919 passport application, Moyer and his wife planned a trip to Cuba. The purpose was for health and recreation.

According to the 1920 census, the Moyers were Philadelphia residents at 6002 Greene Street. in 1930, artist Moyer and his wife lived in Pelham Court Apartments, 6809 Emlen Street, Philadelphia.

Moyer passed away July 21, 1950, in Philadelphia. The death certificate said he was an art decorator. He was laid to rest in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

—Alex Jay